Our Mission
To be a loving church dedicated to bring people to Jesus Christ, helping them find and use their God given talents and gifts to glorify God, and raise them up in Christ-like maturity to further God’s Kingdom. Jesus said this statement in Luke 5:32 (NKJV) “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Hope Evangelical Community Church
Senior Pastor
Derek and Dalia Atkinson
Derek and Dalia have been serving as pastors at Hope Evangelical Community Church since 2010. Derek was born and raised in Rhode Island and now lives in New Bedford alongside his wife and four children. Derek and Dalia have a heart for reaching people, and they are excited about being a part of advancing God’s kingdom in Dartmouth, Greater New Bedford area and beyond.
Associate Pastor
Ken and Grace Hebert
Pastor Ken has been serving as Associate Pastor since 2010, and since that time he and his wife Grace have helped lead Hope Evangelical Community Church, serving alongside Pastor Derek and Dalia. They oversee various ministries such as Mid Week Service, Bible Study, and Women’s Ministry. Pastor Ken and Grace give God all the glory and honor as He continues to lead them by the Holy Spirit. They are blessed to be a part of God’s plan and serve in…
Elder / Youth Group
Marquis Cruz
Marquis is one of the leaders here at Hope Church. He is on the Pastoral Team which provides aid and assistance to the Senior Pastor with church duties such as: preaching, overseeing ministries, the upkeep of the church etc. Marquis is also leading the Youth Group at Hope Church and is part of our Royal Rangers staff.
Elder / Royal Rangers
Stephen Santiago
Steve leads the Royal Rangers Ministry at Hope Church and is also on our Pastoral Staff.
Elder
Andrew Tavares
Andrew is one of the Pastoral leaders here at Hope Church. Andrew brings his years of experience in business to the Pastoral Team which provides aid and assistance to the Senior Pastor with church duties such as: preaching, overseeing ministries, providing support to other church leaders and general operations of the church. Andrew has a passion for helping those in need and reaching those who are lost with the Gospel of Jesus. His prayer is to be able to show…
Elder / Worship Director
James Garcia
James is one of the Elders at Hope Church and is also the Worship Team Director.
Secretary / Worship Leader
Dalia Atkinson
Dalia serves as secretary of Hope Church. She is also one of the leaders of our Worship Team.
Worship Music Director / Treasurer
Pamela Rapoza
Pamela Rapoza has been a member of Hope Church since 2021 and has been in the position of Worship (Music) Director since 2022. She has a passion for worship and service to the church. In January of 2024 she took on the additional role of church treasurer. She lives in Acushnet with her husband Ken.
Care of The House
Roberto Cintron
Roberto took over the Care of The House Ministry at Hope Church in 2019. As the leader of this ministry he has many different roles and responsibilities. He takes pride in maintaining the property’s appearance, safety and friendliness. Other ministries that Roberto is part of include Royal Rangers and Sound. Roberto lives with his wife Brenda in Wareham, MA.
Sunday School
Stacy Rebello
Stacy leads the Sunday School ministry at Hope Church. She has been an elementary school teacher since 2005 and has 2 beautiful boys of her own. Her desire is to provide children with fun and engaging Bible-centered lessons. She has a passion for teaching children Christian values and giving them opportunities to put them into practice.